Context brings the brightest minds to your living room with perspective-shifting online lectures.

Volume 1: Caravaggio’s Early Years with Dr. Sara Magister

Volume 1: Caravaggio’s Early Years with Dr. Sara Magister


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Can't make this time? A video recording will be sent to all participants after the seminar.

In this conversation, we’ll discuss the influence of the Venetian and Milanese art on his early production, and mainly the beauty and the deeper meaning of his early works, made before his debut. The roots of the genius of the early Baroque painter, Michelangelo Merisi (1573-1610), better known as Caravaggio, can be found in the city of Milan. However, his indelible mark on the world of art was left first of all in Rome thanks to enlightened patrons, who guessed and supported his talent.

We’ll explore the cultural and artistic context in which the artist trained, grew up and traveled, before his arrival in Rome in 1595. We’ll discuss his first uncertain steps in Rome and the sudden manifestation of his unique talent in interpreting allegorical and religious subjects. We’ll talk about the challenging patronage of the cardinal del Monte that permitted Caravaggio to develop and to compete with more subjects: music, gamblers, gypsies, ancient myths, still lives, and triumphal saints. We’ll examine paintings that move between the sacred and the profane, discussing their beauty and hidden meanings in this celebrated artist’s first years in the art world.

Led by art historian, professor, and published Caravaggio author Sara Magister, this interactive discussion will unpick a curated selection of Caravaggio’s early works. Designed to inform curiosity as well as future travels, participants will come away with a better understanding of this formidable figure and the importance of his works still today.

Not suitable for children under age 13 (sensitive content).

90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.

Customer Reviews

Based on 26 reviews
96%
(25)
4%
(1)
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K
Kris Shapar (London, GB)
One of the best Conversations I've attended so far

I attended all of Dr Magister's Webinars on Caravaggio last year except this first one, and have been looking for its repeat ever since. It was more than worth the wait! Clear, expert, passionate - everything I could have hoped for and more. Brava!

B
Brenda (New York, US)
Another fabulous presentation

I’ve taken several of Sara Magister's Context classes and always appreciate her knowledge of her subject and enthusiasm. Her passion for Caravaggio was particularly evident in this presentation. I’m looking forward to Parts 2, 3, and 4!

S
Sarva

The Context Conversations have been incredible--I am so grateful that I can take advantage of them. I hope you will offer package deals for purchasing more than 2 conversations, especially if there are several related talks, as I seem to want to sign up for all of them and it does add up! My other request would be sending a reading list for the conversation. Many of the guides have mentioned they would like to share slides or resources and that would be very helpful!

C
Claudia

Yes, I also joined a session with Hattie. She was also excellent. May I suggest that the presenter mute everyone during the presentation? Otherwise, an audible “um” ‘ah’ “oh” “hmmm” from some viewers will be transmitted to everyone..... terribly annoying.

M
Mary

Very much enjoying the sessions. This was our second one. (We did a Sistine session earlier) I have been recommending them to friends. The concept and format are great!

Customer Reviews

Based on 26 reviews
96%
(25)
4%
(1)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
K
Kris Shapar (London, GB)
One of the best Conversations I've attended so far

I attended all of Dr Magister's Webinars on Caravaggio last year except this first one, and have been looking for its repeat ever since. It was more than worth the wait! Clear, expert, passionate - everything I could have hoped for and more. Brava!

B
Brenda (New York, US)
Another fabulous presentation

I’ve taken several of Sara Magister's Context classes and always appreciate her knowledge of her subject and enthusiasm. Her passion for Caravaggio was particularly evident in this presentation. I’m looking forward to Parts 2, 3, and 4!

S
Sarva

The Context Conversations have been incredible--I am so grateful that I can take advantage of them. I hope you will offer package deals for purchasing more than 2 conversations, especially if there are several related talks, as I seem to want to sign up for all of them and it does add up! My other request would be sending a reading list for the conversation. Many of the guides have mentioned they would like to share slides or resources and that would be very helpful!

C
Claudia

Yes, I also joined a session with Hattie. She was also excellent. May I suggest that the presenter mute everyone during the presentation? Otherwise, an audible “um” ‘ah’ “oh” “hmmm” from some viewers will be transmitted to everyone..... terribly annoying.

M
Mary

Very much enjoying the sessions. This was our second one. (We did a Sistine session earlier) I have been recommending them to friends. The concept and format are great!